Although actors often play a range of roles throughout their careers, it’s always impressive when a performer portrays iconic characters who are completely different from one another. Some actors who have been in loads of movies often end up being typecast, and audiences will either mix up their characters or even mistake them for another popular figure who is prominent in the same genre. Others, however, manage to break out of the box and attract attention by taking on a role that is nothing like their last, or most famous, character.
Some make their starts as funny sitcom characters and go on to become Emmy or even Oscar winners, and it’s been known to happen the other way around, too. By playing more than one notable character, these actors prove themselves to have an incredible acting range and an ability to slip into the shoes of any and all types of personalities when needed. From sci-fi to drama, comedy to period pieces, and beyond, these actors’ most famous characters are completely different.
6
Matt Smith
The Eleventh Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’ and Daemon Targaryen in ‘House of the Dragon’
Despite stepping away from the role almost eight years ago now, Matt Smith is still fondly remembered for his portrayal of the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who. Smith was the youngest actor to ever take on the role at the time of his casting, and his impressive talents, which are highlighted throughout his tenure, prove just why he’s a varied actor. His most notable character in recent years, however, is as Daemon Targaryen in the Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon.
Unlike his incarnation of the Doctor, Smith’s Targaryen is far from the hero. The prince is cut-throat and hungry for power, and while he oozes plenty of charisma, he’s also like a ticking time bomb. The Eleventh Doctor has his darker moments, undoubtedly, but he still has some elements of pacifism and stands by his morals when it’s needed. With House of the Dragon Season 3 on its way, now is the perfect time for audiences to check the show out if they haven’t already.
5
Olivia Colman
Sophie Chapman in ‘Peep Show’ and Queen Anne in ‘The Favourite’
While Olivia Colman has always been a very popular actress, she is definitely getting the attention she deserves since her Oscar win for her performance as Queen Anne in The Favourite. A majority, though not all, of audiences outside the UK are unaware of Colman’s origins as a comedic actress, stemming from her start in David Mitchell and Robert Webb’s sketch shows and their anti-sitcom Peep Show. There are loads of Olivia Colman characters to compare, but these two highlight that she’s someone who excels in both comedy and drama.
One quality that both characters share is their childishness, but it’s executed in very different ways. Queen Anne is cruel and petty, essentially spoiled, and her position of power means she doesn’t really restrict or compose herself in the presence of others. However, her backstory is deeply saddening. Sophie Chapman, however, starts off as sweet and innocent, but it feels like she’s always crying. She later spirals, turning her into an aggressive woman, but with a lot more fire than previously.
4
David Tennant
The 10th Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’ and Killgrave in ‘Jessica Jones’
Matt Smith isn’t the only Doctor Who actor to veer off in a completely different direction later on, as this is exactly what David Tennant does with the role of Kilgrave in Jessica Jones. Tennant is almost unrecognizable in his performance as Kilgrave, whose attitude, manipulative abilities, and violent tendencies couldn’t be any further from the Tenth Doctor’s demure. Even when the Tenth Doctor succumbs to his fate as the Time Lord Victorious, David Tennant’s most evil character is still Kilgrave by a landslide.
Kilgrave doesn’t hesitate when it comes to destroying someone, and to call his actions brutal is an understatement, but he doesn’t really see himself as a bad person, despite being very conscious of the damage he is causing. Of course, Kilgrave’s psyche is the way it is because of the abuse he faced as a child, and the way Tennant translates this to the screen in such a calm manner is nothing short of unsettling.
3
Bryan Cranston
Hal in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ and Walter White in ‘Breaking Bad’
Plenty of actors have made an unexpected jump between genres, but Bryan Cranston is the poster child. Cranston’s initial success is thanks to his portrayal of Hal in Malcolm in the Middle, which features some of the best physical comedy of his career. Hal is wholesome and good-natured, but when his sons test his patience, his reactions are nothing short of hilarious, and this is something audiences are excited to see from Cranston again in the upcoming Malcolm in the Middle reboot.
Walter White in Breaking Bad, however, is the complete other end of the spectrum compared to Hal. Even in the early installments of Breaking Bad, before Walt is completely corrupted by the world of drugs, the high school teacher isn’t as heartwarming or relatable as Hal is. Walt spirals into a dark world that he eventually thrives in, throws his morals out the window, and becomes a completely different man from the one we’re introduced to in the pilot.
2
Nicola Coughlan
Clare Devlin in ‘Derry Girls’ and Penelope Featherington in ‘Bridgerton’
Nicola Coughlan has rapidly become one of the most sought-after actresses in recent years, which is impressive, considering Derry Girls only ended in 2022. Coughlan’s breakthrough role as Claire Devlin in Derry Girls is hilarious, deep, and simply brilliant all around. Her other most well-known role, however, is as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton. Claire and Penelope are hugely different. Claire is very emotional and flies into a spin easily, but she’s also brave, and one of her most notable moments in Derry Girls is when she shares her sexuality with her friends.
Penelope, on the other hand, takes some time to come out of her shell. Despite her secret identity as Lady Whistledown, Penelope typically sticks to the sidelines and succumbs to her fate as a wallflower. She also finds it hard to confess her feelings to others, whether that’s Colin or her mother. However, now that Lady Whistledown’s identity is public knowledge in the Ton, it’ll be great to see more of an outspoken and confident Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton Season 4.
1
Rachel McAdams
Regina George in ‘Mean Girls’ and Allie Calhoun in ‘The Notebook’
Rachel McAdams is an iconic performer who has portrayed all kinds of characters, but Regina George in Mean Girls and Allie Calhoun in The Notebook are definitely very different. Even those who haven’t seen Mean Girls typically know who Regina George is: the ultimate popular girl who dictates pretty much everything that goes on around her, but especially her school’s social hierarchy. Allie, however, is a wholesome and more timid woman who is motivated by love.
These are two of her best movies, but what makes her performances even more impressive is that Mean Girls and The Notebook came out in the same year. Considering how long it takes to make a movie, it’s likely McAdams filmed these in succession, too, and it’s incredible how she provides such stellar performances as two completely opposite personalities.
